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Fun Mini Blog Hop with Kimberly Einmo

LeahDay

Leah Day has been teaching online since 2009. She's the creator of the Free Motion Quilting Project, a blog filled with thousands of quilting tutorial videos. Leah has written several books including 365 Free Motion Quilting Designs, Explore Walking Foot Quilting with Leah Day, and Mally the Maker and the Queen in the Quilt.

84 Responses

  1. Leah and Kimberely are wonderful teachers! Craftsy has been and will continue to be my only online learning experience. As a busy mom of eight (5 of mine, plus 3 bonus kids) and a grand baby on the way, I find it hard, no impossible, to take quilting classes in a LQS. Kimberely has taught me to piece my quilts and Leah has taught me to let my imagination turn to thread. Thank you, to you both.

  2. Karin says:

    Lovely quilt and great giveaway. Love Craftsy classes.

  3. I love this top and his colors. The quilting is beautiful and I love the idea of the star shining in the water. But when I try this I will quilt it with white yarn. Must be fun working together this way. The result is a beauty.

  4. Anita says:

    A great project with exquisite quilting; it's perfect, sperm or not!

  5. I actually love this, love how it takes a very straight line geometric pattern (lovely on its own) and adds a very organic (biologic?) effect to it all. I am not sure a different thread color would be better, just a very different overall look. I personally have learned to love mistakes – they can lead in very unexpected looks!

  6. It is always interesting how sometimes when you look at something from a distance you see something else. I'm still not brave enough to do something out of the blue. I often have to mull things over for a long time, but I am learning to be better. I'm also learning that I don't need to know what I am doing everywhere, just need to start. Since I use a domestic machine I can just change a project if I am stuck on something, then come back to it later.

  7. Julie Smith says:

    I can't tell you Leah, just how all your hard work, as helped this excited Texas quilter. I've been watching your videos for about a week now, and you have given me the courage to try free motion quilting. Well, after some practice….I'M DOING IT!! I'm actually producing decent work and I look forward everyday to get to my machine and see what other LEAH IDEAS I can produce! I thank you for all your work in producing the videos and projects. Thank you…..THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. Tears here, now I'm even dreaming about free motion quilting. You're a love!!

  8. Vita says:

    Oh, this made me laugh so hard… But I really didn't see what you were talking about at first. I had to really look to see "the sperm"…. Then I cracked up. I don't think that's what people will notice when they look at it, to me it really looked like the star floating/partially submerged in water.

  9. Beezus says:

    Ha! I love that you've shared this. All the women in my Tuesday quilting group think everything I make is wonderful – the truth is, I don't share the stuff I don't love. Glad to see that the two of you went forward in the process. It's a beautiful quilt!

  10. LJ says:

    Beautiful! You look at things with a totally different point of view. Such a fresh new outlook – wonderful.

  11. Kimberly says:

    Hey, Leah! It's totally OK — you can experiment on my quilts ANYTIME!!!!

    Love ya!
    Kimberly

  12. Margaret says:

    I think the quilting is beautiful. Remember you always say to have fun and dont stress about it. I love it.

  13. Making lemonade from lemons! I love it,

  14. MaryC says:

    I wouldn't have even *noticed* sperm if you hadn't said that…and I was a family planning nurse for *years*! I'm intrigued with looking at the trapunto in the design. great work – both of you!

  15. qwilltr says:

    I think the little quilt turned out well but you two are too funny. I love Kimberly's sign about fondling fabric! Thanks for the chance to win a class.

  16. My first class I took was on Craftsy with you, and I continue to enjoy your blog! When asked at guild meetings how I learned I refer them to your blog, your books and classes! Thanks for all you do!

  17. Nina says:

    Thanks Leah for this post! Kimberly will be visiting our guild next month! Any chance she will have this quilt with her?

  18. LoriM says:

    So funny…thanks for your transparency! I think I've "ruined" nearly every quilt I make…only to eventually love 'em!

  19. DebrafromMD says:

    I an a total Craftsy addict. I love both yours and Kimberly's classes.

  20. Nice to know others have bloopers on their quilts, too!

  21. Marj says:

    Wow! Who would have Thunk the two of you together would turn out such an interesting quilt. Love both of your styles and together you are awesome. Thanks for the chance to win a class.

  22. Anonymous says:

    Lovely to see the process involved in a quilt collaboration! I think the time invested in making a quilt sometimes gets in the way of having fun with letting it evolve. I'm often unable to make decisions about how to move forwards with a quilt for fear of 'spoiling' it. And of course it's good to step back and look at the whole from time to time – it's easy to be over critical close-up at the machine. Thank you for showing how you worked through to the end of this project!
    Allison UK

  23. Debi says:

    Hi Leah,

    I'm really happy that you share your 'mistakes' with us. They always seem to come out just fine. Can't learn without experimenting, right? Your posts give me confidence to keep trying my own experiments. Love the new informal videos too!

  24. Jessim says:

    What a neat idea to work together with another blogger!

  25. Donna W says:

    Fantastic quilting as always!!! What a fun quilt.

  26. I like the way this quilt turned out and I LOVE the way you share the process!

  27. Janet Siler says:

    I like the quilt. It's a learning experience, accept that, and go from there. In the end it doesn't really matter what anyone else thinks as long as you're happy and Kimberly is happy.

  28. Janet Siler says:

    Isn't the saying "Finished is better than perfect"? Well, I think if you're happy with it and Kimberly is happy with it then that's all that matters. It looks terrific, by the way. I've taken several Craftsy classes and love them.

  29. I'll let you experiment anytime on one of my quilts. I think it looks great.

  30. papel1 says:

    I enjoy Crafty's classes and have improved on my sewing and quilting skills. I have enjoyed your blog and thanks for the giveaway.

  31. Rachell says:

    Whoops! I guess you stopped too soon. It was good you kept going, too. I love the colors, but less busy fabrics and the matching blue thread: I do agree with you. 🙂 no worries, like you said. I love stars and that would be a fun star to add to my repertoire. And Kimberly's Magical Jelly Roll is on my wish list !
    reillyr2(at)hotmail(dot)com

  32. Melody Lutz says:

    The quilt appeals to me! Both patchwork and fmq. I think the natural feel of the fmq gives life to the block layout. Nice job ladies

  33. Pat Smith says:

    Hi Leah, thanks for sharing. I find it great fun to work on projects with others. I am enjoying your free motion filler Vol 1 Craftsy class now. Thank you for all the inspiration, guidance and encouragement you share with all of us. I enjoy your blog tho sometimes I feel like a stalker. There is just something calming to me to listen to the lessons. You are much appreciated!

  34. Annette says:

    You really made my day with this story !

  35. Jan says:

    I quite like the "spermy" quilted star quilt. Thanks for the nice giveaway.

  36. Carol says:

    What a lovely sampler quilt that isn't a typical sampler quilt at all. The mini is really cute and could be made from any of the stars. Lots of possibilities – what more could a quilter ask for!

  37. Suz says:

    Love the story! You and Kimberly are two of my faves, so it is a delight to see you designing together.

    Leah, just a little thanks for empowering me to fmq! Right now I have Kimberly's Magical Blocks quilt finished and have begun quilting it with inspiration from your classes and blog. Thank you!

  38. Reena says:

    It's good know you struggle as well with choices… Thanks so much for all your sharing.

  39. You made me laugh out loud- the spermy quilt lol… Love it!

  40. JKemper says:

    Wow! Love this!!

  41. Frania Queen says:

    I think the quilt looks lovely despite your little mishap in quilting shapes!! I am pleased to hear of Kimberly Einmo. I confess I had not heard of her before and am looking forward to trying some of her classes. I love the fact that Craftsy has so many classes to choose from!! Keep them coming!!

  42. I can't tell if my previous comment disappeared or what, so I'll say again that I like Craftsy classes and thanks for the giveaway.

  43. kimberj says:

    Sometimes our "bad" choices provide the inspiration needed by someone else. Your sperm/water design is precisely the idea I needed to for the "expanding universe" art quilt I'm planning. I may be a bit "new age" (okay… a lot) but I think that we're all connected in ways large and small and most we'll never know about. So Leah, today I connected with you and I'm truly grateful. Thank you for sharing!

  44. Ally says:

    Your quilting is cool looking. Love craftsy classes.

  45. ms_behavin says:

    Fun and fresh looking!

  46. Would love to win a Crafty Class

  47. Diane says:

    The quilt came out great! I love Craftsy. I've learned so much from the classes I've bought. Thanks for the chance to win.

  48. Regina Marie says:

    Love all the great Craftsy classes! Your quilt is beautiful!

  49. ratama says:

    I've long been staring at your picture and have not seen the sperm … until it has almost jumped me 😀

  50. Laceflower says:

    I love blog hops, I find new-to-me quilters and new inspirations. Thanks for sharing your trepidation and disappointments.

  51. Sharrob says:

    I am new to quilting I just recently discovered your free motion tutorials. I really appreciate your ease in instruction. I have been practicing stippling, thought it would be a good place to start and am quite pleased with the results. I am enjoying your videos and this one in particular. Humor is always appreciated. This is also my first visit to your blog. I do love the way this is quilted. I see what you mean about the sperm but had to look after you mentioned it, it isn't obvious. Fun!

  52. kgrammiecaz says:

    Very cool. From you and Kimberly through Craftsy classes and your blogs we have learned to go with the flow and be creative. You both did just that with this beautiful quilt. The two of you I see as any easy match up in this creative world and of course as great instructors with Craftsy. I love Craftsy and all they offer. A free class would be awesome. Good luck to all.

  53. grannysews says:

    Just love what you and Kimberly have created!! It is refreshing to hear that you have doubts and worries, just like the rest of us. Love Craftsy and now have a new blog to follow, when will I have enough time to try all the patterns and designs that you both come up with??? Thank you Leah and Kimberly

  54. Denise says:

    I am sorry to agree that it does look like sperm. Oops.

  55. looks like a fun class

  56. Jen Barnard says:

    I think it look good as it is. The first craftsy class I bought was your FMQ a sampler quilt, and I always try to remind myself, that it's ok to make mistakes and that I won't learn anything from ripping it out.
    jen dot barnard at btinternet dot com

  57. mary mahoo says:

    I love your quilt,,,and Kimberly? What can one say? What a talent she is! I must admit “quilt sperm” was my instant thought too! Thanks for the chance to win.

  58. OhioLori says:

    Would loooove to live close to both of you ladies!!! AWESOME quilting! Looove your creative ways!

  59. Kathy says:

    I would love to win a free Craftsy class. I have purchased many and also have some on my wishlist! Thanks for the opportunity to win!

  60. Billy'sgirl says:

    Lovely quilt, with exquisite quilting! What a duo you make!
    I am a big fan of Craftsy classes, and I'm always "up" for the next challenge.

  61. Alli says:

    hahaha! I think it's totally worth it to make a funny quilt once in a while! I like your collaboration! 😀

  62. I would love to win this class, I've been wanting to take this! Thanks so much for the giveaway!

    tdkcarpenoctem@hotmail.com

  63. Julie says:

    Love the quilt. And loved learning that even master quilters get surprised. And that it turns out great! Thank you for sharing and inspiring. You have a fantastic teaching style.

  64. Leah Day says:

    Congratulations Diane! You've won the free class!

  65. PegP says:

    That's pretty funny. So glad to know even the pro's run into issues now and then. Thanks for being so willing to share those moments too.

  66. § tiff § says:

    I think it was a great lesson learned and still wonderful to look at. Thank you for teaching us all and offering a great chance to win =)

  67. E McK says:

    I feel that experimenting with free motion quilting liberates my creative side. I pieced four placemats two months ago and did not like the colors and fabrics I choose. I put them aside and began machine quilting them this week. Guess what? I like them now with the quilting so much better than before. Creativity is wonderful!
    Elaine

  68. mlisshouston says:

    I love the story that comes with the quilt! Makes it worth making….just imagine if you have never met…
    Keep up the great work.

  69. Diann Smith says:

    Well…without sperm we wouldn't be here and able to make quilts. Big laugh to read and start my day..unfortunately neglected house cleaning. Been too busy quilting.

  70. Kim Aguilar says:

    Thank you for introducing us to Kimberlys classes. I love Craftsy. And thank you for making FMQ fun. Your honestly gives me courage to just go with it!

  71. Maria Brush says:

    #fertility quilt
    Just add a few eggs amongst the sperm for the new trend…. just the gift for every newly married couple!

  72. Pierro says:

    Rosemary B here:
    Hello Leah. As a nurse, I think there might be a subliminal message here…..
    The quilt looks beautiful and I am certain no one would even notice that adorable little spermy
    I love all of your work,

  73. MarionG says:

    I love the trapunto work and have added that class to my wish list. Perhaps this would make a good fundraiser for Planned Parenthood…..or not!

  74. Martha Cook says:

    Too funny. I have signed up for Kimberly's class.have not had a chance to start the quilt which is darling.

  75. upstateLisa says:

    Great story! Kimberly has a great sense of humor so you are fortunate to have met a great partner in crime!

  76. Give it eyes and move on. 🙂

  77. KCR says:

    Ugh. I've tried posting 3 times now. Evidently it doesn't want me to type today…

    Anyway I love it. You really did everything right. Don't second guess yourself. Give yourself the advice you'd give someone else. Go with it.

  78. Nancy says:

    Great story…. thanks for the giveaway… Love Craftsy !

  79. jwhit lew says:

    Have you considered entering this into Ami Simms' Ugly Quilt Contest?

  80. labfish says:

    I know a group of people who would love a sperm quilt!! Clinical Laboratory Specialists, those hardworking unseen people generally kept in the hospital basement that tell your doctor what is wrong with you! We even had a sperm candle at one point. Who does sperm counts. So absolutely nothing is wrong with having a hidden sperm in your quilt because it would be a hit in a lab!

  81. k8 says:

    Ha ha ha! I'm still laughing! It's nice to know that everyone can make unique design choices!

  82. Vickye Rhind says:

    Hi Leah, l think that the quilt is great. I have got a couple of craftsy classes which I have picked up some good ideas. I also have picked up some good information on threads, needles and different things on my sewing machine. Thanks Leah, I now can do free motion without getting eyelashes on the back of my quilts by simply NOT dropping the feed dogs. Still got a way to go with the free motion quilting but enjoying your class on Craftsy. Thanks again.
    Vickye
    NZ

  83. Don Worthen says:

    Hello Leah. I love the choices that you made for this quilt. It is beautiful and I would never have put your quilting and sperm into the same sentence until you pointed it out. All I see is beautiful quilting. Keep up the good work.

  84. Oh my goodness! I can soooooooo picture myself doing this. 🙂 In the end it looks more like water than sperm, but I would probably call this the sperm whale design.

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